The death toll from the boiler explosion at a Vedanta thermal power plant in Singhtarai has risen to 23 after two more workers succumbed to their injuries during treatment, officials confirmed on Saturday. The incident, which occurred on April 14, continues to raise concerns over industrial safety and emergency response measures at the site.

One of the deceased workers died at Kalda Hospital in Raipur, while another passed away at Raigarh Medical College. According to officials, 12 workers are still undergoing treatment for severe burn injuries and related complications sustained in the blast. Several of the injured remain in critical condition.

Preliminary findings by the chief boiler inspector have pointed to a technical failure inside the boiler furnace as the cause of the explosion. The report states that excessive fuel accumulation led to a sudden rise in pressure, which eventually dislodged a lower pipe and triggered a structural failure. This resulted in a rapid release of heat and flames across the unit.

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The Forensic Science Laboratory in Sakti has independently corroborated these initial findings, strengthening the technical assessment of the incident. Officials noted that workers were caught off guard as the blast unfolded rapidly, leaving little time for evacuation. Survivors described scenes of chaos as colleagues attempted to rescue those trapped in the affected section of the plant.

The investigation report has been submitted to the district administration and Dabhra police, while a central investigative team is expected to visit the site for a detailed inquiry. Authorities have stated that the final report will determine the complete sequence of events and assess accountability.

In connection with the incident, police have registered a case based on directions from Superintendent of Police Prafull Thakur. The FIR names Vedanta Director Anil Agarwal, manager Devendra Patel, and other officials, citing preliminary evidence of negligence. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the accident as tragic and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

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